Rio Rancho City Manager Keith Riesberg Accepts New Position in Colorado

Rio Rancho City Manager Keith Riesberg has been selected as town manager for Winter Park, Colo., according to a city press release received Thursday.

According to city spokeswoman Annemarie Garcia, Riesberg has given his 60-day notice, pursuant to his contract, to the Rio Rancho Governing Body and his last day will be Oct. 8.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work for the governing body and the citizens of Rio Rancho for the past five years,” Riesberg said. “Working for the resort community of Winter Park is a rare and unique opportunity for me and my family. My time in Rio Rancho will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of my professional career. I leave the community knowing that Mayor Gregg Hull, the city council and the leadership team in place at City Hall will continue to endeavor tirelessly to keep the many projects and initiatives underway moving forward as they work in the best interests of the citizens they serve.”

Mayor Gregg Hull said Rio Rancho is losing a tremendous professional manager, leader and human being.

“During Mr. Riesberg’s tenure, Rio Rancho has made strides in economic development and public infrastructure improvements, and the day-to-day operations of local government have become more effective and efficient,” Hull said. “I and the city council wish Mr. Riesberg and his family all the best.”

Riesberg became Rio Rancho’s city manager in April 2013, according to city records.

Garcia said, prior to coming to Rio Rancho, Riesberg worked as a city manager in Missouri and had more than 17 years of local government experience.

“The search and recruitment for Riesberg’s replacement will begin immediately,” Garcia said. “It is anticipated that it will take approximately four to six months before a new city manager is in place. Pursuant to the city’s charter, when the city manager position is vacant for more than 30 days, the governing body (mayor and city council) will appoint an acting city manager.”

The press release states that a resolution will be placed on the Aug. 22 governing body meeting agenda to appoint Deputy City Manager John Craig as acting city manager, with an effective date of Oct. 8.

Garcia stated that the process for appointing a new city manager is outlined in the city’s charter.

“The governing body, or a committee of the governing body, will screen candidates for the position of city manager,” she said. “The governing body will rank not less than three and not more than five of the best qualified candidates.”

The mayor must appoint a city manager from among those candidates within 10 days, and then the governing body must vote to confirm that selection for it to take effect, she continued. If the governing body doesn’t approve the appointment, the mayor must choose someone else from the list of ranked candidates.

If the governing body doesn’t approve any of the appointments, the search and hiring process starts over.